Hi Sam, It is common that it is the leads of leaded SM components that fail in vibration testing. While it is possible that there are problems with the leads (too severe bending, wrong material choice), it is more likely that the vibration test was too severe. Problems with Ni/Au can be either related to inadequate wetting (oxidation of NI before Au coating or Au porous, inadequate reflow process) or the result of gold 'embrittlement'--actually 'weakening' due to excess amount od Sn/Au intermetallic compounds (Au layer too thick). Werner Engelmaier Engelmaier Associates, Inc. Electronic Packaging, Interconnection and Reliability Consulting 23 Gunther Street Mendham, NJ 07945 USA Phone & Fax: 973-543-2747 E-mail: [log in to unmask] *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To subscribe/unsubscribe send a message <to: [log in to unmask]> * * with <subject: subscribe/unsubscribe> and no text in the body. * *************************************************************************** * If you are having a problem with the IPC TechNet forum please contact * * Dmitriy Sklyar at 847-509-9700 ext. 311 or email at [log in to unmask] * ***************************************************************************